Catheter with articulable septum extension

Abstract

A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to medical catheters, and more particularly to a multiple lumen catheter having an articulable septum extension.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Catheters are flexible medical instruments for use in the introduction and withdrawal of fluids to and from body cavities, ducts and vessels. Catheters are used for many different applications within the human body including the administration of liquid therapeutic agents and the removal of bodily fluids for testing, monitoring, or disposal. Catheters have a particular application in hemodialysis procedures, in which blood is withdrawn from a blood vessel, directed to a hemodialysis unit for dialysis or purification, and subsequently returned to the blood vessel.[0005]Typically, dialysis catheters define at least two lumens including a venous lumen and an arterial lumen. The arterial lumen withdraws blood from the patient and delivers the blood to a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device with a septum and a septum extension. The septum extension can move relative to the septum. The segment has recesses that enable it to move. It can also have a protuberant distal end that is curved, spherical, or polygonal in shape. This design allows for better movement of the device.

Problems solved by technology

These catheter devices, however, also suffer from various additional drawbacks.

For example, the staggered openings of the venous lumen and arterial lumen render the catheter less suitable for reversing fluid flow through the catheter.

Thus, the staggered openings may disadvantageously indirectly result in a higher likelihood of flow occlusion within the catheter.

Images